The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), has called for the immediate closure of the Nigeria Police Force facility popularly known as ‘Tiger Base’ in Imo State, following persistent and well-documented allegations of grave human rights violations associated with its operations.
The group said that over several years, credible reports from victims, families, legal practitioners, civil society organizations, and proceedings before Nigerian courts have consistently raised serious concerns about activities allegedly carried out at Tiger Base.
These include reports of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment; arbitrary and prolonged detention; denial of access to legal counsel and family members; extortion; and deaths in custody.
FENRAD noted that these allegations are not isolated claims, but form a pattern reflected across multiple independent accounts, including; Affidavits and testimonies filed in Nigerian courts, where detainees and families have alleged severe physical abuse and unlawful detention linked to the facility;
It stated that Publicly reported cases by national and international media outlets, detailing alleged torture, secret detention, and deaths following arrest by officers attached to Tiger Base.
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This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the group’s Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor and made available to journalists.
Petitions and complaints submitted to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and other oversight bodies by lawyers and civil society groups but to no avail.
According to the statement, Judicial observations in habeas corpus and fundamental rights enforcement proceedings, where courts have questioned prolonged detention and the conduct of officers connected to the facility.
While FENRAD recognizes that allegations must be tested through due process, the volume, consistency, and longevity of these reports raise serious concerns that demand urgent institutional response.
The human Rights Advocacy group, further said that the continued operation facility facing such allegations constitutes a serious threat to constitutional governance and public trust in law enforcement, and appears inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), particularly; Section 33 – Right to Life,Section 34 – Right to Dignity of the Human Person,Section 35 – Right to Personal Liberty.
Additionally, the alleged practices conflict with Nigeria’s obligations under binding international and regional instruments, including the United Nations Convention Against Torture (CAT), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, all of which absolutely prohibit torture and arbitrary detention.
FENRAD emphasizes that crime prevention and internal security cannot be pursued outside the framework of the law. Experience has shown—most notably in the case of now-disbanded special police units—that tactical formations operating with secrecy and weak oversight are particularly vulnerable to abuse.
Part of the statement read” Immediate suspension of operations and closure of Tiger Base, pending the outcome of an independent investigation.
“Establishment of an independent judicial commission of inquiry to examine all allegations connected to the facility, including reported cases of torture, enforced disappearance, and deaths in custody.
“Transparent investigation and prosecution, where applicable, of any officers found to have violated the law, in accordance with due process and without institutional shielding.
“Access to justice, compensation, and rehabilitation for victims and affected families, including medical and psychosocial support.
“Structural police reforms in Imo State, including independent oversight of tactical units, strict detention safeguards, mandatory human rights training, and guaranteed access to lawyers and family members for detainees.
FENRAD is also calling on the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, the Imo State Government, the Judiciary, and the National Assembly to act promptly, transparently, and in the public interest.
The group said failure to address these longstanding allegations risks eroding public confidence in law enforcement and undermining Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.
FENRAD also urged the media, civil society organizations, faith-based institutions, and the international community to continue to demand accountability, transparency, and respect for human dignity.
A policing system that commands public trust must operate within the law and under effective oversight. Allegations of abuse at Tiger Base must be addressed decisively.
